Skip-a-day feeding might be costing your operation more than you think. New University of Georgia research reveals everyday feeding delivers 2.6% better feed conversion while debunking long-held industry myths.
The comprehensive study by Avila et al. tracked 1,778 Ross 708 pullets through a rigorous 60-week trial, comparing everyday (ED) versus skip-a-day (SAD) feeding regimens. The results challenge conventional wisdom about broiler breeder management.
Feed Efficiency Gains
Everyday feeding required significantly less feed per live pullet. 6.853 kg versus 6.997 kg for skip-a-day feeding. That 2.6% improvement translates directly to reduced feed costs across your entire operation.
Consistent Growth Performance
Birds fed daily maintained superior weight gains throughout rearing. They were 4.5% heavier at week 10, 3.5% heavier at week 15, and 4.4% heavier at week 20. This wasn’t just early growth spurts but sustained performance advantages.
Production Quality Benefits
The benefits extended well beyond the rearing period. Hens raised on everyday feeding produced eggs with significantly better shell quality during late lay (weeks 46-60). More importantly, their eggs achieved higher hatch rates. 94.1% versus 93.1% hatch of fertile eggs means more viable chicks per setting.
The Uniformity Myth Debunked
Perhaps most surprising, everyday feeding did NOT compromise flock uniformity. Coefficient of variation remained statistically similar between groups throughout the trial period. This finding directly contradicts the primary industry justification for skip-a-day feeding programs.
Precision Monitoring Enables Discovery
Breakthrough findings like these are only possible through meticulous weight tracking using specialized equipment, like the BAT1 manual scale, which not only streamlines the process, but also calculates the statistics that drive their research.
Whether it’s for profit or for science, every gram matters in this industry and precision weighing methods are the best way to achieve reliable results.
Sources:
Avila, L.P., et al. (2023). Body composition, gastrointestinal, and reproductive differences between broiler breeders fed using everyday or skip-a-day rearing programs. Poultry Science, 102:102853.
